Post by wolvesgirlgonewild on Mar 11, 2017 20:31:43 GMT
Hey guys, as some of you may know. One half of my degree is dedicated to creative writing, the other half is history, therefore I do a bit of writing in my spare time. After starting this back in the summer (August sometime?) I've finally finished my Jeff Lynne/ ELO fan story starring yours truly.
To give you a little background, I end up travelling back in time to 1979 (I'm a sucker for anything time travel related, blame Doctor Who and Back to the Future!) and I end up meeting Jeff and the gang whilst they're recording Discovery in Munich. So all sorts of interesting things happen. I will warn you now some stuff is graphic (though not too much but I have made myself pretty clear on my feelings for Lord Dame Jeffrey Lynne), so if you're not into that kinda stuff then I wouldn't recommend reading it. As it's 44 pages in total, I've split the story up in parts which I will add every day. I hope you like it, feel free to give your opinion on it. I would very much appreciate it. So here's the first installment!
I’ve been thankful for Doctor Who in so many ways, never did I think I’d credit them for getting me into ELO. That’s The Electric Light Orchestra to you who are not familiar with the abbreviation. Probably their best known song is Mr Blue Sky which was the first song I heard by them and was played on the Doctor Who episode, Love and Monsters. Not a popular episode amongst the fans but I personally never had a problem with it but the character Elton played by Marc Warren was a massive fan of ELO. To quote Elton you can’t beat a bit of ELO.
It was just a normal day really, I was chilling in my room. I felt like tidying up the top of my wardrobe. Spring cleaning if you like. Something fell from the shelf in my wardrobe and knocked me to the floor. Must have hit me with quite a bang because I just fell unconscious. The song Confusion by ELO suddenly filled my head, well it was quite appropriate really since I was very confused as to what was going on.
After a few minutes I woke up and lifted my head up. I was in a street, it didn’t look like anywhere I knew. I saw the sign outside where I was sat, Musicland Studios. That’s in Munich right? Isn’t that where ELO recorded their 1979 album Discovery? How the bloody hell have I ended up in Germany more to the point? Then someone came out of the studio doors, looked at me on the ground and went:
“You alright?”
I recognised the voice straight away, you couldn’t disguise the thick Brummie accent. Oh my god it’s Jeff Lynne. He wasn’t wearing his signature glasses though which made a change. Although Jeff hadn’t aged in the last 30/40 years I could tell he was a lot younger than 68.
“Sorry?”
“What’s you alright in German? Du bist okay?”
“No no I’m not German, I just wasn’t sure you were talking to me.”
“Oh sorry, yeah I was talking to you, you seem a bit out of it. You a tourist because I know you’re not from round these parts?”
“Uh yeah you could say that…”
“Where you from? Your accent seems familiar.”
“Wolverhampton. Practically down the road from you.”
“Ah yes thought so, I sort of know it. Bev our drummer is more familiar with it since he watches the football team.”
“Yeah I know Bev is a Wolves fan, he must have some interesting conversations with Jasper Carrott about football considering he’s a Birmingham City supporter!”
“Bit of banter really. You certainly know your stuff.”
“You could say I’m a bit of a fan of your music.”
I think that was a bit of an understatement. My interest in ELO thanks to my mother buying a Traveling Wilburys CD had turned into a bit of an obsession. The Traveling Wilburys was a superband that consisted of Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. I made a mental note not to mention The Traveling Wilburys. Where I was, was definitely before 1988!
“Tell you what, if you’re not busy or anything, you could come and watch us record a few tracks?”
Oh my god, yes yes yes!
“Yes I’d love to.”
“Let’s get going then!”
He held out his hand to help me up from the ground. I noticed what he was wearing. Black suit, flared trousers (of course, it was the 1970s!), white shirt. He looked incredibly handsome. No Melinda, I can’t think this way, he’s married and was going to be a Dad by the end of this year. Good god, what would he see in me anyway? I’m 20 (nearly 21 may I add) and he’s 31 here, I’m way too young for him. I thought about what I was wearing, not exactly with the times but I didn’t know I was going to do some time travelling Wizard of Oz style!
The studios wasn’t exactly Abbey Road but it was still impressive because I knew what magic was going to occur here. The process of producing music has always fascinated me but I don’t possess the talent of song writing or playing instruments. I can play some songs on my keyboard though.
I saw Bev Bevan chilling on his drum kit, he nodded at me and smiled. Bit of a strange reaction to me, unless Jeff had a habit of inviting random people into the studio. Jeff didn’t seem the type though, I was surprised he even spoke to me. Jeff is pretty shy in general anyway. Unless I caught his eye.
“God I’m such a plonker, I never asked your name!”
I blushed slightly, the action must have been very spontaneous on your part Jeff…
“Oh I’m Melinda.”
“Nice name, I’m Jeff but I’m guessing you already knew that?” He said with a grin.
“You could say that yeah.”
I sat on one of the stools and they began to play Don’t Bring Me Down, not one of my absolute favourites but a good song nonetheless. Now to act like I totally don’t know the lyrics to the song… Mime them Melinda… Should I sing don’t bring me down Bruce instead of the real lyrics? Jeff started to laugh when I started singing that. The first few times I heard it, it did sound like Bruce to me but the more I heard it, I realised it was Gruce he was singing. A made up word.
“So what did you think?”
“Very good, the harmonies are very impressive!”
“I liked your little addition, do you think people will think we’re singing Bruce instead of Gruce?”
“I think so Jeff!”
The session was done for the day, the rest of the group started to pack up their equipment. Jeff pulled up a chair beside me.
“So what you into?”
“Well music wise, I love The Beatles, I’m going to see Paul in December with my mom, auntie and Nan. I’m very excited. I like a lot of comedy stuff like Morecambe and Wise, The Two Ronnies, Open All Hours, the Carry On films.”
“Well ELO are heavily influenced by The Beatles, so no wonder you like us! Where you going to see Paul? At the Odeon?”
So I may have lied but my mother did see Macca in December 1979 with my auntie and Nan at the Odeon.
“Yeah at the Odeon, maybe one day Paul will come to the Civic but it’s not like Birmingham is that far for me.”
“No that’s very true. I’m afraid I’m not as interesting as you but I do like a lot of the stuff you mentioned. “
“Oh don’t be silly, I find you very interesting. You’re the lead singer of ELO, one of the most popular bands of now. I’m no one special.”
Jeff put his hand on top of mine and smiled.
“Everyone is special in their own way. Trust me you are special.”
“It’s a dream come true hearing you say that, never thought I’d ever meet you let alone hear you say that!”
“Thanks very much! You got a hotel to stop at?”
“Erm, no, you could say this trip was a bit last minute…”
“Since you haven’t got anywhere to stay come and stay with us, there’s plenty of room at our hotel. We’ve all got separate rooms haven’t we Bev?”
Bev looked up from packing his drum kit away, he seemed miles away. Man on a mission.
“Uh yeah, we have. Jeff can I have a word with you a minute? I just wanted to talk to you about my drum track we recorded.”
“Won’t be a tick.” He said to me.
I knew Bev wanted to talk to Jeff about me, I wasn’t stupid. I just sat there awkwardly, admiring the scenery.
“What you playing at?”
“I only offered for her to stay with us for a bit!”
“Just offer her the money and let her find her own hotel. May I remind you that you’re married?”
“Oh for god’s sake Bev, I’m 31. I think my playboy days are over, if they ever began in the first place.”
“Just don’t go giving her the wrong idea. She’s young, she may get the signals wrong.”
“Well if she does, I’ll put her straight.”
“Just be careful alright? I’m only saying this because I care about you.”
“I know and I appreciate it but let me handle this.”
Jeff wandered back to me and I let him lead the way to the hotel. The building itself was massive. The hotel rooms were even more impressive, a place where you could sit and watch television, a kitchen, a large bedroom leading to an ensuite. It was almost too big for just one person, so I guessed Jeff was sort of thankful he had someone to share it with.
“So what do you think?”
“Very nice, uh just the one bed in the room?”
“Oh no, a double and a single. Don’t worry I wouldn’t expect you to sleep next to me!”
“Do you do much jamming in here with the other band members?”
“Not really but I play a bit of guitar in here on my own and maybe write a few lyrics for a song. The guys tend to leave me to it when we’re in the middle of recording an album.”
“Is that why you have separate rooms?”
“Sort of yeah, the main reason is because Bev snores like a right pig and keeps us up all night! I was the first to tell him about it and he denied it incessantly but once all the others agreed with me, we decided to get separate rooms in the future.”
“Am I disturbing your time to compose music and that?”
“Oh no not at all. It’s nice to have a bit of company that isn’t a bloke!”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. I know this sounds an odd request but don’t suppose I could get some more appropriate clothes? These are the only ones I’ve got you see and I don’t want to be getting any strange looks from people!”
I was wearing my Beatles Abbey Road top and my jeans. I think Jeff approved of the top but it wasn’t appropriate for the times. I felt like one of the Doctor’s companions, if only I had a TARDIS I could go into and change my outfit…
“Funny you should say that, there’s actually a load of outfits in the wardrobe. Not sure if they’re your size though, I’m not very good with understanding women’s clothes sizes. On the other hand I do like your top, Abbey Road your favourite Beatles album?”
“Oh great, I’ll have a look. No my favourite albums are Help! and Revolver. 1965/1966 are my favourite Beatles eras.”
Jeff nodded his head in approval. I started to rummage through the wardrobe and found a lovely purple dress with flowers across it. Hm very Kate Bush, well be rude not to pay homage to my favourite female musician. I looked further down and found some small heeled black shoes.
“Erm Jeff? Is there any underwear too or is that taking the piss?”
“I think so and pyjamas too, in the drawers there.”
I found some appropriate underwear and pyjamas, I was certain it was going to last me the few days I was going to be here. I wasn’t sure if I woke up tomorrow, I’d find out it was all a dream. I really hoped it wasn’t because it felt so real and I wanted to make the most of meeting Jeff. Not that I wanted to change the future or anything. What was I saying? Jeff would never see me in that way!
“Do you mind if I have a quick shower?”
“No not at all, well I’m done in so I could play you a new song before I go to bed?”
“Oh yes that would be lovely.”
I quickly had a shower then changed into my pyjamas, they seemed to be a perfect fit. Like they were made just for me. I saw that Jeff was on the bed, tuning his acoustic guitar. He looked up and smiled.
“Come and sit here. This song is called Confusion, we’re gonna record it in the studio tomorrow I think.”
I sat on the bed next to him but not too close, didn’t want him to get the wrong idea about me. He started playing the song and it was so beautiful, I couldn’t help but sway.
It was the only thing I could do, if I knew all the lyrics he’d think I was a right weirdo.
“What did you think of the song?”
“It was wonderful, I love how you sing to lean on differently in the chorus. Really adds to the song.”
“I’m glad you approve, anyway I’m going to sleep. Night.”
I decided the safest option was to sleep on the single bed, I just lay there for hours. I didn’t want to go to sleep, I was afraid to wake up and not ever have the chance to spend time with Jeff again.
Eventually I did go to sleep and I was woken up by gentle nudges. I opened my eyes and it was Jeff. Wow I didn’t realise how beautiful his eyes were. I breathed a sigh of relief, I’m still here, and it’s not a dream.
To give you a little background, I end up travelling back in time to 1979 (I'm a sucker for anything time travel related, blame Doctor Who and Back to the Future!) and I end up meeting Jeff and the gang whilst they're recording Discovery in Munich. So all sorts of interesting things happen. I will warn you now some stuff is graphic (though not too much but I have made myself pretty clear on my feelings for Lord Dame Jeffrey Lynne), so if you're not into that kinda stuff then I wouldn't recommend reading it. As it's 44 pages in total, I've split the story up in parts which I will add every day. I hope you like it, feel free to give your opinion on it. I would very much appreciate it. So here's the first installment!
I’ve been thankful for Doctor Who in so many ways, never did I think I’d credit them for getting me into ELO. That’s The Electric Light Orchestra to you who are not familiar with the abbreviation. Probably their best known song is Mr Blue Sky which was the first song I heard by them and was played on the Doctor Who episode, Love and Monsters. Not a popular episode amongst the fans but I personally never had a problem with it but the character Elton played by Marc Warren was a massive fan of ELO. To quote Elton you can’t beat a bit of ELO.
It was just a normal day really, I was chilling in my room. I felt like tidying up the top of my wardrobe. Spring cleaning if you like. Something fell from the shelf in my wardrobe and knocked me to the floor. Must have hit me with quite a bang because I just fell unconscious. The song Confusion by ELO suddenly filled my head, well it was quite appropriate really since I was very confused as to what was going on.
After a few minutes I woke up and lifted my head up. I was in a street, it didn’t look like anywhere I knew. I saw the sign outside where I was sat, Musicland Studios. That’s in Munich right? Isn’t that where ELO recorded their 1979 album Discovery? How the bloody hell have I ended up in Germany more to the point? Then someone came out of the studio doors, looked at me on the ground and went:
“You alright?”
I recognised the voice straight away, you couldn’t disguise the thick Brummie accent. Oh my god it’s Jeff Lynne. He wasn’t wearing his signature glasses though which made a change. Although Jeff hadn’t aged in the last 30/40 years I could tell he was a lot younger than 68.
“Sorry?”
“What’s you alright in German? Du bist okay?”
“No no I’m not German, I just wasn’t sure you were talking to me.”
“Oh sorry, yeah I was talking to you, you seem a bit out of it. You a tourist because I know you’re not from round these parts?”
“Uh yeah you could say that…”
“Where you from? Your accent seems familiar.”
“Wolverhampton. Practically down the road from you.”
“Ah yes thought so, I sort of know it. Bev our drummer is more familiar with it since he watches the football team.”
“Yeah I know Bev is a Wolves fan, he must have some interesting conversations with Jasper Carrott about football considering he’s a Birmingham City supporter!”
“Bit of banter really. You certainly know your stuff.”
“You could say I’m a bit of a fan of your music.”
I think that was a bit of an understatement. My interest in ELO thanks to my mother buying a Traveling Wilburys CD had turned into a bit of an obsession. The Traveling Wilburys was a superband that consisted of Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. I made a mental note not to mention The Traveling Wilburys. Where I was, was definitely before 1988!
“Tell you what, if you’re not busy or anything, you could come and watch us record a few tracks?”
Oh my god, yes yes yes!
“Yes I’d love to.”
“Let’s get going then!”
He held out his hand to help me up from the ground. I noticed what he was wearing. Black suit, flared trousers (of course, it was the 1970s!), white shirt. He looked incredibly handsome. No Melinda, I can’t think this way, he’s married and was going to be a Dad by the end of this year. Good god, what would he see in me anyway? I’m 20 (nearly 21 may I add) and he’s 31 here, I’m way too young for him. I thought about what I was wearing, not exactly with the times but I didn’t know I was going to do some time travelling Wizard of Oz style!
The studios wasn’t exactly Abbey Road but it was still impressive because I knew what magic was going to occur here. The process of producing music has always fascinated me but I don’t possess the talent of song writing or playing instruments. I can play some songs on my keyboard though.
I saw Bev Bevan chilling on his drum kit, he nodded at me and smiled. Bit of a strange reaction to me, unless Jeff had a habit of inviting random people into the studio. Jeff didn’t seem the type though, I was surprised he even spoke to me. Jeff is pretty shy in general anyway. Unless I caught his eye.
“God I’m such a plonker, I never asked your name!”
I blushed slightly, the action must have been very spontaneous on your part Jeff…
“Oh I’m Melinda.”
“Nice name, I’m Jeff but I’m guessing you already knew that?” He said with a grin.
“You could say that yeah.”
I sat on one of the stools and they began to play Don’t Bring Me Down, not one of my absolute favourites but a good song nonetheless. Now to act like I totally don’t know the lyrics to the song… Mime them Melinda… Should I sing don’t bring me down Bruce instead of the real lyrics? Jeff started to laugh when I started singing that. The first few times I heard it, it did sound like Bruce to me but the more I heard it, I realised it was Gruce he was singing. A made up word.
“So what did you think?”
“Very good, the harmonies are very impressive!”
“I liked your little addition, do you think people will think we’re singing Bruce instead of Gruce?”
“I think so Jeff!”
The session was done for the day, the rest of the group started to pack up their equipment. Jeff pulled up a chair beside me.
“So what you into?”
“Well music wise, I love The Beatles, I’m going to see Paul in December with my mom, auntie and Nan. I’m very excited. I like a lot of comedy stuff like Morecambe and Wise, The Two Ronnies, Open All Hours, the Carry On films.”
“Well ELO are heavily influenced by The Beatles, so no wonder you like us! Where you going to see Paul? At the Odeon?”
So I may have lied but my mother did see Macca in December 1979 with my auntie and Nan at the Odeon.
“Yeah at the Odeon, maybe one day Paul will come to the Civic but it’s not like Birmingham is that far for me.”
“No that’s very true. I’m afraid I’m not as interesting as you but I do like a lot of the stuff you mentioned. “
“Oh don’t be silly, I find you very interesting. You’re the lead singer of ELO, one of the most popular bands of now. I’m no one special.”
Jeff put his hand on top of mine and smiled.
“Everyone is special in their own way. Trust me you are special.”
“It’s a dream come true hearing you say that, never thought I’d ever meet you let alone hear you say that!”
“Thanks very much! You got a hotel to stop at?”
“Erm, no, you could say this trip was a bit last minute…”
“Since you haven’t got anywhere to stay come and stay with us, there’s plenty of room at our hotel. We’ve all got separate rooms haven’t we Bev?”
Bev looked up from packing his drum kit away, he seemed miles away. Man on a mission.
“Uh yeah, we have. Jeff can I have a word with you a minute? I just wanted to talk to you about my drum track we recorded.”
“Won’t be a tick.” He said to me.
I knew Bev wanted to talk to Jeff about me, I wasn’t stupid. I just sat there awkwardly, admiring the scenery.
“What you playing at?”
“I only offered for her to stay with us for a bit!”
“Just offer her the money and let her find her own hotel. May I remind you that you’re married?”
“Oh for god’s sake Bev, I’m 31. I think my playboy days are over, if they ever began in the first place.”
“Just don’t go giving her the wrong idea. She’s young, she may get the signals wrong.”
“Well if she does, I’ll put her straight.”
“Just be careful alright? I’m only saying this because I care about you.”
“I know and I appreciate it but let me handle this.”
Jeff wandered back to me and I let him lead the way to the hotel. The building itself was massive. The hotel rooms were even more impressive, a place where you could sit and watch television, a kitchen, a large bedroom leading to an ensuite. It was almost too big for just one person, so I guessed Jeff was sort of thankful he had someone to share it with.
“So what do you think?”
“Very nice, uh just the one bed in the room?”
“Oh no, a double and a single. Don’t worry I wouldn’t expect you to sleep next to me!”
“Do you do much jamming in here with the other band members?”
“Not really but I play a bit of guitar in here on my own and maybe write a few lyrics for a song. The guys tend to leave me to it when we’re in the middle of recording an album.”
“Is that why you have separate rooms?”
“Sort of yeah, the main reason is because Bev snores like a right pig and keeps us up all night! I was the first to tell him about it and he denied it incessantly but once all the others agreed with me, we decided to get separate rooms in the future.”
“Am I disturbing your time to compose music and that?”
“Oh no not at all. It’s nice to have a bit of company that isn’t a bloke!”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. I know this sounds an odd request but don’t suppose I could get some more appropriate clothes? These are the only ones I’ve got you see and I don’t want to be getting any strange looks from people!”
I was wearing my Beatles Abbey Road top and my jeans. I think Jeff approved of the top but it wasn’t appropriate for the times. I felt like one of the Doctor’s companions, if only I had a TARDIS I could go into and change my outfit…
“Funny you should say that, there’s actually a load of outfits in the wardrobe. Not sure if they’re your size though, I’m not very good with understanding women’s clothes sizes. On the other hand I do like your top, Abbey Road your favourite Beatles album?”
“Oh great, I’ll have a look. No my favourite albums are Help! and Revolver. 1965/1966 are my favourite Beatles eras.”
Jeff nodded his head in approval. I started to rummage through the wardrobe and found a lovely purple dress with flowers across it. Hm very Kate Bush, well be rude not to pay homage to my favourite female musician. I looked further down and found some small heeled black shoes.
“Erm Jeff? Is there any underwear too or is that taking the piss?”
“I think so and pyjamas too, in the drawers there.”
I found some appropriate underwear and pyjamas, I was certain it was going to last me the few days I was going to be here. I wasn’t sure if I woke up tomorrow, I’d find out it was all a dream. I really hoped it wasn’t because it felt so real and I wanted to make the most of meeting Jeff. Not that I wanted to change the future or anything. What was I saying? Jeff would never see me in that way!
“Do you mind if I have a quick shower?”
“No not at all, well I’m done in so I could play you a new song before I go to bed?”
“Oh yes that would be lovely.”
I quickly had a shower then changed into my pyjamas, they seemed to be a perfect fit. Like they were made just for me. I saw that Jeff was on the bed, tuning his acoustic guitar. He looked up and smiled.
“Come and sit here. This song is called Confusion, we’re gonna record it in the studio tomorrow I think.”
I sat on the bed next to him but not too close, didn’t want him to get the wrong idea about me. He started playing the song and it was so beautiful, I couldn’t help but sway.
It was the only thing I could do, if I knew all the lyrics he’d think I was a right weirdo.
“What did you think of the song?”
“It was wonderful, I love how you sing to lean on differently in the chorus. Really adds to the song.”
“I’m glad you approve, anyway I’m going to sleep. Night.”
I decided the safest option was to sleep on the single bed, I just lay there for hours. I didn’t want to go to sleep, I was afraid to wake up and not ever have the chance to spend time with Jeff again.
Eventually I did go to sleep and I was woken up by gentle nudges. I opened my eyes and it was Jeff. Wow I didn’t realise how beautiful his eyes were. I breathed a sigh of relief, I’m still here, and it’s not a dream.